Leasing of TRANSNET rail infrastructure manager siding 140333 (worcester) for 10 years – RFP bt1trimrfpwr14

This RFP is for the leasing of Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) siding/facility at Worcester (Siding Number 140333) for a period of 10 years. The siding size is approximately 76,762 m². The purpose is to find a suitable lessee to invest in and develop a consolidation hub and/or container rail terminal. Bidders must submit a full proposal including operational model, investment plan, environmental and risk management plans, and experience documentation.

Closing date: 30 November 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Briefing session: 07 September 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (online, non-compulsory).

Site visit: 08 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (non-compulsory but recommended).

Final date for clarification questions: 16 November 2026.

Validity period: 180 business days from closing date (until 20 August 2027).

Bidding procedure and technical enquiries: [email protected]

Clarification questions must be submitted via the online link provided in the RFP. No telephone or physical address stated.

Submit electronically via the Transnet eTender management platform (https://www.transnet.net).

All returnable documents listed in Section 5 (Proposal Form) must be completed, signed, stamped, and dated on each page before uploading. This includes SBD1, SBD4, Certificate of Acquaintance, Specific Goals Points Claim Form, and all annexures (A through S).

Proof of authority (e.g., company resolution) must be submitted with the bid.

Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided, not re-typed. Late bids will not be accepted.

Three-stage evaluation:

• Stage 1: Test for Responsiveness – compliance with tax, CSD registration, not in service of state, submission of all required forms.
• Stage 2: Functional Evaluation – scored on company experience, directors/owners experience, concept operational model, financial viability, and risk management. Minimum threshold: 70%.
• Stage 3: Price and Preference – price and preference points (B-BBEE and Specific Goals).

B-BBEE level claimed via SBD6.1? (not explicitly stated) but Specific Goals Points Claim Form (Section 9) is used for additional preference points.

Lease of Worcester siding (Siding Number 140333) for a period of 10 years.

Siding size: approximately 76,762 m².

Purpose: to develop a consolidation hub and/or container rail terminal.

Bidders must submit:

• Concept operational model and concept design demonstrating facility layout, cargo movement, and operational methodology.
• Detailed investment plan (Annexure K).
• Environmental Management Plan (Annexure L).
• Risk Management Plan (Annexure M/N).
• Business Continuity Management Plan (Annexure O).
• Health and Safety Checklist (Annexure P).
• Company and individual experience summaries (Annexures Q and R).

The successful bidder must sign a lease agreement (Annexure H) and comply with TRIM maintenance standards, environmental approvals, and all applicable laws.

Proof of funding covering the declared capital investment commitment must be submitted. Funding can be debt or equity, with supporting letters from institutions or bank confirmation letters.

Financial viability evaluation: averaged key financial ratios (EBITDA, current ratio norm 2:1, solvency ratio norm 1:1) based on audited financial statements for the last three completed financial years (or shorter period if less than three years).

After award, the winning bidder will undergo a credit risk assessment to determine deposit and guarantees required.

Security may be required as per Transnet's General Bid Conditions, but no specific amount is stated.

CSD registration (provide CSD number).

Tax compliance: submit SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN or TCS certificate. For joint ventures/consortia, each party must provide separate TCS.

B-BBEE: provide a valid B-BBEE certificate issued by a SANAS accredited agency, or a sworn affidavit (for EMEs/QSEs) as per the stated requirements.

CIPC disclosure certificate and proof of ownership (share register, trust deed, etc.) for experience scoring.

Not be a person in the service of the state, nor a company with directors/members in the service of the state.

Joint venture or consortium members must submit a signed agreement or written intention with percentage split and responsibilities.

Foreign bidders must also comply with tax and CSD requirements.

The evaluation is conducted in three stages:

Stage 1: Responsiveness – compliance with mandatory requirements (tax, CSD, not in service of state, all forms submitted).

Stage 2: Functional Evaluation – scored on company experience, directors/owners experience, concept operational model, financial viability, and risk management. Minimum threshold to proceed: 70%.

Stage 3: Price and Preference – price and preference points (B-BBEE and Specific Goals). Specific goals points are claimed via Section 9 form. The evaluation methodology is detailed in Section 3 of the RFP.